Ipomoea aquatica Extracts Attenuate Streptozotocin-Diabetes-Induced Alterations of Liver, Oxidative Stress, and Cancer Cell Lines in Rats

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the potential ameliorative effects of two fractions of Ipomoea aquatica extract on liver function in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Methods: Twenty-four adult male albino rats were divided into four groups: GI: control, GII: single dose of 50 mg/kg STZ, GIII: STZ + 200 mg/kg IA6-1 (dichloromethane/ethyl acetate fraction, 75/25 (v/v)), and GIV: STZ + 200 mg/kg IA9-2 (ethyl acetate/methanol fraction, 50/50 (v/v)). Liver function parameters, total antioxidant capacity, plasma protein profiles, and antiproliferative activity against HepG2 liver cancer cell lines were evaluated. Results: Compared with the control group, the diabetic group showed a significant increase in aspartate aminotransaminase (AST) and alanine aminotransaminase (ALT) levels, while albumin, total protein, and in vivo total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were significantly decreased. Administration of IA6-1 and IA9-2 fractions improved all measured biochemical parameters to levels comparable to the control, indicating that I. aquatica may enhance the antioxidant defense system of the liver and protect against oxidative-stress-induced damage. The IA9-2 fraction exhibited a stronger antiproliferative effect than the IA6-1 fraction, suggesting that the plant may offer protective benefits against liver damage associated with cancer. Additionally, SDS-PAGE analysis of plasma protein profiles revealed that C-reactive protein (C-RP, 28.3 kDa) and apelin (16 kDa) showed higher intensity in STZ-induced diabetic rats compared to the control group and IA-treated groups. These proteins may play roles in regulating inflammation and oxidative stress in the liver, which are key mechanisms in the pathogenesis of liver diseases. Conclusions: Overall, these findings highlight the potential therapeutic applications of I. aquatica for managing liver disorders, particularly those linked to diabetes, oxidative stress, and inflammation.